Global renewable green hydrogen “pioneer” launches in the North East

Global renewable green hydrogen pioneer Lhyfe has launched its first UK operation with the aim of large-scale decarbonisation.

The France based multinational is building a UK team in North East England to identify opportunities to deploy production facilities to support the country’s net zero ambitions. In 2021, Lhyfe inaugurated the world’s first plant supplying a renewable green hydrogen produced using wind power to customers in western France.

The company is developing more than 90 projects across Europe, including a hydrogen rail demonstrator in Germany and a partnership with supermarket giant Lidl for a fleet of more than 100 hydrogen-powered forklift trucks, which could transform the retail and distribution sector.

Lhyfe is a producer of renewable green hydrogen which emits no carbon dioxide, developing green solutions for regions, industry, transport and fuel distribution. It has ambitions for more than 3GW of electrolytic hydrogen in operation by 2030. The company produces its renewable green hydrogen by using water and wind or sun to power its electrolysers.

Water is fed into the electrolyser, which is split into hydrogen and oxygen meaning the only by-product is oxygen. The hydrogen is then compressed and transported locally from the production unit to various consumers across the region, providing an alternative to fossil fuels and building a local ecosystem.

Lhyfe’s pioneering unit in Bouin, France, produces up to 300kg per day, ramping up to 1,000kg per day in 2023, enough to run a fleet of around 25 buses.

Production units are currently being deployed onshore, but Lhyfe has an aim to take electrolysis offshore, making use of the huge offshore wind potential the UK has on offer, particularly in the North Sea.

Colin Brown, UK country manager of Lhyfe, commented: “Renewable green hydrogen production at scale is one of the key solutions to help the UK reach its net zero targets. It’s an enabler that offers a solution to all sectors and parts of society, and the good news is it’s available to be deployed today.

“We are exploring exciting opportunities across the UK to enable local decarbonisation. Lhyfe has a strong ethos of working with partners to deliver projects that create real local value, and this is a key focus for the newly formed UK business.

“The UK can become a global leader in the production of green hydrogen, moving away from our reliance on fossil fuels, improving energy security, contributing to net zero and helping drive the economy.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →